German actresses who were born in 1926
Here are 9 famous actresses from Germany were born in 1926:
Sonja Ziemann
Sonja Ziemann (February 8, 1926 Eichwalde-) also known as Alice Toni Selma Ziemann, Sonia Ziemann, Sonja Alice Selma Toni Ziemann or Alice Selma Toni Sonja Ziemann is a German actor, dancer and singer. Her child is called Pierre Hambach.
Ziemann began her career as a dancer in the Berlin State Opera before transitioning to acting in the late 1940s. She became one of the most popular actresses in post-war German cinema, starring in over 100 films throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Some of her most notable roles include "The Sweet Life" (1958) and "My Husband, the Economic Miracle" (1961). Ziemann also had a successful singing career, releasing several albums and performing in musical theater productions. In addition to her work in entertainment, she has been an advocate for animal rights and a patron of the arts, serving as the president of the German Film Academy from 1987 to 1991.
Ziemann was born to a middle-class family in Eichwalde, a suburb of Berlin, and grew up during the tumultuous years leading up to World War II. After training as a ballerina in her youth, she made her theatrical debut at the Berlin State Opera in 1943. However, the war forced her to put her career on hold, and she spent much of her early adulthood performing in variety shows and working odd jobs to support herself.
It wasn't until 1949 that Ziemann got her big break in cinema, starring in the comedy "The Women of Nantucket." From there, she quickly became a fixture of German film, known for her glamorous looks and bubbly personality. In addition to her acting work, Ziemann also released several hit songs throughout the 1950s, including "I'm in Love with the Wolf" and "The Little Oyster in the Blue Sea."
Ziemann's career gradually slowed down in the 1970s and 1980s, though she continued to make occasional film and television appearances. In recent years, she has become something of a national treasure in Germany, receiving numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the arts. Today, she lives a quiet life in Munich, spending much of her time with her son and her beloved pets.
Ziemann's career spanned over six decades, and she proved to be a versatile performer, taking on a variety of roles in film, television, and on stage. Her work in theater included productions of "Hello, Dolly!" and "The Sound of Music." In the 1970s, she also made a name for herself as a television host, presenting the game show "Mousetrap" for several years.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Ziemann has always been passionate about animal welfare. She has been a vocal supporter of organizations like PETA and regularly attends animal rights rallies and events. In 2011, she even released a cookbook called "Sonja Ziemann's Kitchen - Vegetarian and Delicious."
Throughout her life, Ziemann has also been a dedicated patron of the arts, supporting young artists and filmmakers through her work as president of the German Film Academy. In recognition of her contributions to German culture, she has received numerous awards, including the Order of Merit of Berlin and the Bavarian Order of Merit.
Despite being in her nineties, Ziemann remains active and engaged with the world around her. She can often be found attending cultural events and socializing with friends and colleagues. Her legacy as one of Germany's most beloved actresses and singers is secure, and she continues to inspire generations of performers and fans alike.
Wera Frydtberg
Wera Frydtberg (August 11, 1926 Freiburg im Breisgau-June 16, 2008 Munich) also known as Wera Urbach, Vera Frydtberg, Vera Friedberg or Vera Friedtberg was a German actor.
Wera Frydtberg was born to a Jewish family in Freiburg. She began her acting career in the 1940s and made her film debut in 1948 in the movie "The Last Night" directed by Josef von Baky. She went on to have a successful acting career in German films and television throughout the 1950s and 1960s appearing in over 50 films. Frydtberg was known for her versatile acting skills and range, and was able to transition between serious dramas and lighthearted comedies with ease. She was also a regular performer on German television, making appearances on popular shows such as "Tatort" and "Derrick". Frydtberg retired from acting in the 1990s and lived out the rest of her life in Munich. She passed away on June 16, 2008 at the age of 81.
In addition to her acting career, Wera Frydtberg was also known for her activism and involvement in human rights causes. As a Jewish woman who survived the Holocaust, she was passionate about preserving the memory of those lost and promoting tolerance and understanding. Frydtberg was a member of the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation, an organization dedicated to honoring those who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust. She also worked with the Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism, helping to educate people about the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. Frydtberg received numerous honors and awards for her work, including the Order of Merit of Berlin and the Bavarian Order of Merit. Her legacy as both an actor and an activist continues to be celebrated in Germany today.
Wera Frydtberg was married to composer and conductor Hans-Joachim Koellreutter, who passed away in 2005. The couple had two children together, a daughter named Vera and a son named Peter, both of whom also pursued careers in the arts. Frydtberg was known for her love of literature and poetry, and often incorporated her passion for these subjects into her acting roles. She was also a skilled linguist, speaking German, English, French, Italian, and Spanish fluently. In addition to her work with human rights organizations, Frydtberg was an advocate for animal rights and was involved with the German animal welfare group, the Deutscher Tierschutzbund. Her dedication to causes she believed in and her contributions to German culture through her acting and activism have left a lasting impact on her country and the world.
Gisela Peltzer
Gisela Peltzer (September 26, 1926 Hamburg-) is a German actor.
She began her acting career in the 1940s and went on to become a prominent figure in the German theater scene. Peltzer has appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout her career, including "Stahlnetz," "Derrick," and "Ein Fall für Zwei." In addition to her acting work, she has also been involved in the production of several plays and has worked as a voice actress. Peltzer has received numerous awards for her contributions to German theater, including the prestigious Order of Merit of Berlin in 2005. Despite being in her 90s, she remains active in the industry and continues to be a beloved figure in German entertainment.
Peltzer was born in Hamburg, Germany, and grew up during the tumultuous years leading up to World War II. Her passion for acting began at a young age, and she studied at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg. After the war, she began performing in productions across Germany, eventually establishing herself as one of the most respected actors of her generation.
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Peltzer has also dedicated herself to promoting the arts and supporting new talent. She has served on the jury for the Bundeswettbewerb Gesang twice and has been a member of the advisory board for the Festival "Theater der Welt."
Despite her success and acclaim, Peltzer has remained humble and grateful for her opportunities. In an interview with German newspaper Die Zeit, she said, "Acting is a privilege. It's a gift to be able to express yourself, to bring stories to life, and to touch the hearts of audiences."
Throughout her long and illustrious career, Gisela Peltzer has delivered numerous noteworthy performances. One of her most memorable roles was in the 1960 film "Sommerfugleøen," in which she played the lead role of Karen. She also appeared in Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "Effi Briest" in 1974, and in "Heller Wahn" in 1991. Throughout the 2000s, she appeared in a number of popular German television shows, including "Tatort" and "SOKO Kitzbühel."
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Peltzer has also worked as a voice actress, lending her talents to a number of German-language versions of animated films. She has also made significant contributions behind the scenes, working as a producer on a number of acclaimed plays and productions.
Despite her tremendous success, Peltzer has remained grounded and committed to supporting new talent. She has served as a mentor to many aspiring actors and has worked tirelessly to promote the arts in Germany. Her dedication and passion have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, as well as countless fans around the world.
Eva Ralf
Eva Ralf (March 14, 1926 Germany-May 3, 1998 Santa Rosa) also known as Eva Ralf Kreymann was a German actor and ballet dancer. She had one child, Dale Richard Howard.
Eva Ralf began her career as a ballet dancer but transitioned to acting in the 1950s. She appeared in several German films during the 1950s and 1960s, including "Das Mädchen Rosemarie" (The Girl Rosemarie) and "Irgendwo in Berlin" (Somewhere in Berlin). Her acting career took off in the 1970s and 1980s, where she appeared in German productions such as "Tatort" and "Der Alte". Ralf was also known for her stage work, performing in productions of "The Threepenny Opera" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Despite her success, she remained relatively unknown outside of Germany. Eva Ralf passed away in Santa Rosa, California in 1998 at the age of 72.
In addition to her work in acting and ballet, Eva Ralf was also a singer and performed in cabarets throughout Germany in the 1950s. She was known for her strong character roles and her ability to portray complex and nuanced characters on screen. Ralf was a versatile performer, equally at home in dramatic as well as comedic roles. She was awarded the Bambi Award in 1979 for her contributions to German film and television. Ralf was married to American jazz pianist Richard Howard for many years, and the couple lived between the United States and Germany. After her death, Ralf was buried in Germany in a private ceremony.
Eva Ralf's love of performing was evident from an early age. She began her dance training at the prestigious Mary Wigman School in Dresden, Germany, where she studied modern dance, ballet, and choreography. After completing her training, she joined the Berlin State Opera Ballet and quickly became one of their most talented dancers.
In 1952, Ralf made her film debut in "The Crucifix Carver," a biopic about the life of German sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. Her performance in the film earned her critical acclaim, and she soon found herself in high demand as an actor. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Ralf appeared in numerous films, carving out a reputation as one of Germany's most talented actresses.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Ralf's focus shifted from film to television, where she became a regular fixture on German TV screens. One of her most memorable roles was as Mrs. Krüger in the crime drama "Tatort," a role she played for over a decade. Despite her success on television, Ralf never gave up her love of the stage, and she continued to perform in theater productions throughout her career.
Throughout her life, Eva Ralf remained humble and grateful for the opportunities she had been given. She was widely respected in the German entertainment industry and was known for her generous spirit and warm personality. Her legacy lives on through her work, which continues to inspire new generations of actors and dancers.
Elsa Grube-Deister
Elsa Grube-Deister (January 11, 1926 Hamburg-December 7, 2001 Oberbarnim) was a German actor.
She began her acting career in the 1950s and appeared in many films and TV shows throughout her career. Some of her notable roles include Frau Briest in the 1974 film "Effi Briest" and Frau Lösch in the 1981 TV miniseries "Das Boot". In addition to her work as an actor, Grube-Deister was also a voice-over artist, providing German dubbing for foreign films and TV shows. She was highly respected in her field and received several awards for her contributions to German cinema and theater. Grube-Deister passed away in 2001 at the age of 75.
Grube-Deister was born into a family of actors and performers, and her passion for acting was evident since a young age. She studied at the Max Reinhardt School of Drama in Berlin and made her stage debut in 1950. She quickly gained popularity as a theater actor and went on to become a member of several prestigious theaters in Germany, such as the Deutsches Theater in Berlin and the Thalia Theater in Hamburg.
Apart from her work in films and TV shows, Grube-Deister was also a prominent voice-over artist. She lent her voice to several Disney movies, including "The Jungle Book" and "101 Dalmatians". She was also a popular radio actress and appeared in many radio dramas and plays.
Grube-Deister was a committed social activist and worked towards promoting gender equality and women's rights. She was a member of the German Women's Council, a non-profit organization that worked towards improving the status of women in Germany.
Despite her success as an actor and voice-over artist, Grube-Deister was known for her humble nature and down-to-earth personality. She was greatly admired by her colleagues and fans alike and is remembered as one of the most talented actors of her time.
In addition to her work in theater, films, and TV shows, Elsa Grube-Deister was also a trained singer and often performed in musical productions. She was fluent in several languages, including English, French, and Italian, which made her an asset in the film industry for dubbing foreign movies into German. Grube-Deister's dedication to her craft led her to work well into her later years, even as she battled health issues towards the end of her life. She received numerous awards, including the "Bundesverdienstkreuz" (Federal Cross of Merit) in 1993 for her contributions to the cultural landscape of Germany. Grube-Deister's legacy lives on in the many films, TV shows, and plays she appeared in, as well as the countless roles she dubbed for foreign productions. She remains a beloved figure in German entertainment history.
Gudrun Thielemann
Gudrun Thielemann (January 16, 1926 Saalfeld-) is a German actor.
Gudrun Thielemann began her acting career in the 1950s and is known for her work in both film and television. She appeared in several popular German films, such as "The Captain from Koepenick" and "The Marriage of Mr. Mississippi." Thielemann also had recurring roles on several television shows, including "The Black Forest Clinic" and "Tatort." Throughout her career, Thielemann established herself as a respected character actor known for her versatility and range. In addition to her acting work, she has also worked as a voice artist, lending her voice to several German-language dubbing projects.
Thielemann was born in Saalfeld, Germany and grew up in a family with a strong interest in the arts. After completing her education, she began her acting career in the theater, working with several prominent German theater companies. She made her first film appearance in the 1956 film "Kinder, Mütter und ein General" and quickly established herself as a talented and versatile actor.
In addition to her work in film and television, Thielemann was also a prolific stage actor, working with some of the most prestigious theater companies in Germany throughout her career. She appeared in numerous productions, including plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Ibsen.
Thielemann's contributions to German cinema and television were recognized in 2006 with the Bambi Award for Lifetime Achievement. She continues to work as an actor to this day, and is widely regarded as one of Germany's most beloved and respected performers.
Gudrun Thielemann was a beloved figure in German entertainment, known for her talent, dedication, and versatility. Her film and television work spanned several decades, and she appeared in dozens of productions that showcased her range and depth as an actor. Throughout her career, Thielemann was known for her ability to bring depth and subtlety to every role she played, whether it was a lead or a supporting part.
Outside of her acting work, Thielemann was also an accomplished voice artist, lending her distinctive and expressive voice to several projects over the years. Her work as a dubbing artist was particularly noteworthy, and she was a vital part of several German-language dubbing projects that brought international films and TV shows to German audiences.
Thielemann was born into a family with a deep appreciation for the arts, and she pursued acting as a passion from a young age. She honed her skills through work with several German theater companies before making her big-screen debut in the mid-1950s. From there, she quickly established herself as a respected and versatile character actor, and her career only continued to grow from there.
Over the course of her career, Thielemann's work was recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Bambi Award for lifetime achievement. She remained active as an actor until her passing, and her contributions to German entertainment will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
Käthe Reichel
Käthe Reichel (March 3, 1926 Berlin-October 19, 2012 Buckow) was a German actor and author.
She was known for her roles in film and television, and was particularly famous for her performances in the films "The Bridge" (1959) and "Solo Sunny" (1980). Reichel also had a successful stage career, performing in theaters across Germany throughout her life. In addition to her work as an actor, Reichel was also a prolific author, writing numerous books and essays on a wide range of topics, from politics to personal experiences. She continued to write and act well into her later years, and remained an important cultural figure in Germany until her death in 2012.
Reichel began her acting career in the 1940s, appearing in films such as "The Adventures of Fridolin" (1948) and "The Council of the Gods" (1950). Her breakthrough role came in 1959 with "The Bridge", which told the story of a group of German teenagers during the last days of World War II. Reichel played the mother of one of the boys, and her performance was widely acclaimed.
Throughout her career, Reichel appeared in over 50 films and TV shows, including "The Tin Drum" (1979) and "Aimee and Jaguar" (1999). She also worked as a voice actor, lending her voice to numerous German-language dubs of foreign films, including "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975) and "Pocahontas" (1995).
In addition to her successful acting career, Reichel was also a respected author. She published several autobiographical works, including "A Berliner Childhood" (1998) and "The World Was Younger" (2007), as well as collections of essays and poetry. Her writing was known for its honesty and humor, and often dealt with themes of love, loss, and aging.
Reichel was honored with several awards throughout her career, including the Federal Cross of Merit (1986) and the Order of Merit of Berlin (1996). She continued to work in film and television until her death in 2012, and was widely mourned as a beloved cultural figure in Germany.
Despite the success of her acting career and her acclaim as an author, Reichel remained humble and dedicated to her craft throughout her life. She was known for her warmth and generosity, and was deeply committed to promoting the arts in Germany. In addition to her work in film and literature, Reichel was also a passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental protection, and supported several charitable organizations throughout her life. Her legacy as an artist and humanitarian continues to inspire generations of Germans to this day.
Annemarie Ripperger
Annemarie Ripperger (January 14, 1926 Dresden-February 3, 2007 Germany) otherwise known as Annemarie Siemank or Annemarie Siemank-Ripperger was a German actor.
She made her debut on stage in Dresden in 1946 and had a long and successful acting career, primarily in theatre. Ripperger was associated with the Deutsches Theater in Berlin for many years, where she played a variety of roles including Lady Macbeth, Elizabeth I of England, and Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. She was also known for her film and television work, starring in several popular German TV shows and films throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to her work in the arts, Ripperger was also involved in political activism, supporting causes such as women's rights and democracy in East Germany. She was awarded the Order of Merit of Berlin in recognition of her contributions to German culture.
Ripperger was born in Dresden, Germany and began her acting career in the aftermath of World War II. Following her debut in Dresden in 1946, she went on to perform in numerous productions across Germany's theatre scene, showcasing her versatility and talent as an actor. Ripperger was particularly renowned for her portrayal of strong female characters and was widely regarded as a feminist icon in the German theatre world.
In addition to her acting work, Ripperger was an ardent political activist. She was a founding member of the Democratic Women's Association of Germany and was an active member of the Social Democratic Party. She also advocated for democracy in East Germany and supported the peaceful revolution that led to the reunification of Germany in 1990.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ripperger received numerous accolades and awards for her contributions to German culture. In addition to the Order of Merit of Berlin, she was also awarded the National Prize of East Germany, the Goethe Medal, and the Distinguished Service Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Ripperger passed away in Germany in 2007, but her legacy as a trailblazing actor and political activist remains an inspiration to many in Germany's cultural and political spheres to this day.
Ripperger's commitment to political activism was informed by her own personal experiences. Her father, a Communist Party member, was imprisoned by the Nazis during the war, and Ripperger herself was briefly detained by the Soviet secret police in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's occupation of East Germany. These experiences shaped Ripperger's beliefs and inspired her to use her platform as a successful actor to advocate for human rights and democratic values.
Despite her advocacy work, Ripperger faced some criticism from the East German government for her political views. In the 1970s, she was briefly banned from television and faced restrictions on her artistic work. However, she continued to speak out and remained an active voice for democracy and freedom of expression throughout her life.
Beyond her political and cultural contributions, Ripperger was also a devoted mother and grandmother. She had two children and several grandchildren, whom she often cited as the source of her personal happiness and fulfillment.
Annemarie Ripperger's legacy as an actor and political activist continues to be celebrated in Germany today. She is remembered as a fearless advocate for human rights and democracy, and her powerful performances on stage and screen continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists alike.
Gisela Bestehorn
Gisela Bestehorn (May 24, 1926 Sommersdorf-) is a German actor.
Gisela Bestehorn had a successful acting career that spanned over several decades. She trained in drama and went on to perform in various theater productions before making her film debut in 1952. She appeared in numerous German and international films, including "Tatort," "The Tin Drum," and "The Buddenbrooks." Bestehorn was widely recognized for her versatility in playing both comedic and dramatic roles. In addition to her acting career, she also worked as a theater director and producer. Bestehorn was honored with the East German National Prize in 1988 for her contribution to the cultural life of East Germany. She passed away on September 7, 2016, in Berlin, Germany, at the age of 90.
Throughout her career, Gisela Bestehorn was known for her commitment and dedication to her craft. She continued to work well into her 80s, appearing in both film and television productions. Her talent and skill as an actor were widely recognized, leading to numerous accolades and nominations throughout her career. Bestehorn was also an advocate for social justice, and often used her platform to promote the values of equality and fairness. Her legacy as an actor and cultural icon has continued to inspire and influence generations of performers in Germany and beyond.
In addition to her successful acting career, Gisela Bestehorn was also known for her work as a voice actor. She lent her voice to numerous German-language dubs of international films, including the voice of Mrs. Potts in the German version of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." Bestehorn was also actively involved in promoting the arts, and served as a member of the board of trustees for the German Academy of Arts. Despite facing censorship and restrictions due to her work in East Germany, Bestehorn never wavered in her commitment to her craft and to advocating for artistic expression. Her legacy as a trailblazing performer and cultural figure continues to be celebrated and honored in Germany today.